Leadership is Conversation... and a Dialogue

What are the differences between a conversation and a dialogue? We often highlight the importance of high-quality interpersonal communications to build relations. But on a given day, we can have very different types of exchange depending on the situation.

• Conversation can be started with or without an agenda. Through listening to each other, we give ourselves the opportunity to change direction of the talk (“con versari”). 
• Discussion happens with the purpose to align or decide, and we can expect some outcome from this exchange.
• When we have a debate, we anticipate clash of opinions.
• Dialogue takes place when we share our own realities with each other, and come together to face the essential, core messages.

Having open, candid conversations is a first step towards a dialogue. Over time, we come to bring our full, true selves to the moment. Sometimes we don’t find joy from a dialogue, as it can concern an emotional or difficult topic. Therefore, an effective dialogue is simply when we choose to be fully present and to co-exist with other people’s realities. All are part of the process work fostering a deep, authentic relationship.

How do we activate such dialogues in our personal or working lives? In our “Leadership is Conversation” event series, our managing partner Noriko Takagi encourages the participants to build an environment for active listening, sharing, and accepting of differences. Revisiting these basic practices brings us consistency and new perspectives. When leaders and organizations enable such a culture, the high-quality dialogues will grow organically.

We look forward to returning with an extra event this December with AHK Japan on this theme.